care instructions
Our products are designed to last for a long time. However a bit of love, care and maintenance will preserve the look and extend the life of your products for years to come, so we recommend implementing a simple, regular maintenance program. We’ve outlined some simple steps below to help you take care of your new piece.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is the location of your product, as this can greatly affect the appearance of the product. The effects of ultraviolet light, atmospheric pollution, dirt, grime and airborne salt deposits can all accumulate over time so items should be rotated occasionally and regularly cleaned. Avoid placing products in direct sunlight where possible. Placing items where they can touch external walls can create moisture build-up, and placing them to close to radiators, heaters and gas or wood fires can increase the risk of damage or discolouration.
PLEASE NOTE that it’s very important you ensure lights are turned off and un-powered during cleaning. Do not attempt to clean lighting products while switched on.
All of our timber items come pre-oiled however timber requires a regular maintenance program in order to maintain the products natural shine and preventing it from warping or splitting. We recommend polishing timber products every 3 to 6 months, using a natural beeswax polish to restore and maintain. Make sure the surface is free of dust before starting. If correctly applied, timber treatments will extend the life of your item. To restore the original appearance of timber, lightly sand all over and apply the recommended finish per manufacturers instructions. Where possible, keep items out of direct sunlight to avoid timber drying out and warping. Extended exposure to moisture can also cause deterioration. Being a natural material, timber may change colour, or even crack due to humidity levels and sudden changes in temperature. The hotter the climate and the greater the exposure to the sun, the more frequently the timber will need to be oiled.
Ceramic shades are slip-cast by hand by artisans in Byron Bay and as such, may vary slightly between batches. Ceramics are particularly susceptible to damage and should be treated with care, particularly during installation. Wipe with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Use only lint-free cloths as fibres may be torn off when cleaning the rougher surfaces of unglazed earthenware. Avoid placing in extreme hot or cold environments, as this can cause thermal shock and result in fragility and cracking and/or breakage.
Marble is very porous and reacts, on contact, with any acid so special care must be taken when handling marble. Use a natural, light soap or marble cleaner for deeper cleaning. If dust or other debris has accumulated on the marble, dilute a gentle dish soap in a little warm water and use a soft cloth to clean. Never use vinegar on marble and avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners. Clean up all spills immediately, as the liquid on the surface may penetrate the surface and leave permanent staining. Always wear gloves whilst handling to prevent finger marks.
Frosted glass is particularly susceptible to damage and should be treated with care, particularly during installation. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products or cloths as this can scratch the frosting and permanently damage the surface. Gently wipe with a dry lint-free clean cloth to remove any dirt, dust or marks. Note: Always wear gloves whilst handling to prevent finger marks.
Our bottle openers are made from solid bronze, we do not use plating. The bronze will arrive with a bright finish but will oxidise and darken over time to reveal a distinctive patina. Simply use metal polish or alternatively, a very fine wet&dry sandpaper 2000-3000 grit on both sides to restore a like-new finish. Please note that slight variations can occur from piece to piece. Variations may include slight pour ripples or surface pitting which have been incurred during the casting process.
All of our products use solid brass, we do not use plating. There is a protective clear coat over the metal surface to protect it from patination or marking with fingerprints over time. For cleaning simply use a soft damp cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaning products or cloths as this can scratch the clear coating and permanently damage the surface. Note: Always wear gloves whilst handling to help prevent finger marks.
Powder coating is one of the most durable coatings available and does not require much maintenance. However, as a general rule cleaning should take place every three months. In areas where pollutants are more prevalent, such as beach front houses and industrial or geothermal areas, then a cleaning program should be carried out on a more frequent basis ie, every one to two months. Carefully remove any loose surface deposits with a wet sponge. Use a soft brush (non-abrasive) and a dilute solution of a mild detergent to remove dust, salt and other deposits. Do not use solvents. Revive dull surfaces using car polish.
Our fluted glass shades are hand-blown by artisans in Brisbane and as such, may vary slightly between batches. Glass is particularly susceptible to damage and should be treated with care, particularly during installation. To clean, simply wipe the product with a clean cloth to remove any dust. If necessary, ‘ Isocol’ rubbing alcohol may alternatively be used or a household glass cleaner to remove marks. Dry with a soft cloth or paper towel to avoid streaking.
Alabaster is very porous and can be scratched with a fingernail, cracked or chipped very easily so needs to be handled carefully. Dust alabaster with a soft, clean cloth or soft-bristled brush to remove all loose surface dirt. Regular dusting is recommended to prevent grime buildup. Use a natural, light soap or marble cleaner for deeper cleaning. Never use vinegar on marble and avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners.
Once installed, fabric covered cords may begin to collect dust. To remove this dust, we recommend gently dabbing the cord with a damp cloth to remove dust particles. Avoid rubbing, as this could cause visible damage to the fibers surrounding the cord.